Surprisingly, it takes a lot of energy to heat water throughout your home. Typically, almost 15% of a home’s energy is spent on heating water. Several things dictate the cost of heating your water, and these include prices in the area, the amount of water you use, and your heating method. Therefore, when you are thinking about installing a new water heater, you should first consider all of your options and consult as many water heater reviews as you can. In your search, an electric water heater should be high on your list because it’s easy to install and good for the environment. Here are the pros and cons of installing an electric water heater.
advantages
Availability
Most homes are already connected to the electric grid. Therefore, electric heater options are available to most people, unless there is a power outage. On the other hand, if you choose to install a gas heater, you should check to see if your home is located on a natural gas line. If your home is not connected to a gas line, it is extremely costly to rectify.
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Simple installation
A home’s energy supply system is complex and connecting new appliances requires experience and skill. Installing a gas water heater is a much more complex and, therefore, more costly process than choosing an electric boiler. In addition, with an electric water heater, there is no need to vent the system to release the flue gases. Therefore, the electric option is arguably safer.
Less attention is needed
If you decide to install a gas water heater, you will need to maintain the lines regularly. With an electric water heater, you don’t need to worry about combustible gases. However, you should be sure to flush the system at least once a year to dissipate any mineral buildup.
Easy Operation
Once you have installed your electric water heater, you won’t have to worry about turning on the gas every time you need hot water. All you need to do is turn on the electricity and you’re done. There will usually be a light on the front to indicate that the heating element is working.
Sustainable options
If you are concerned about the cost of running an electric water heater, you can always combine efforts and power it with renewable energy . Green energy, including solar panels, is more readily available these days. Although you’ll be investing to begin with, the money saved over the years will more than pay for itself.
Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency refers to the amount of energy used versus the amount lost in operation. Energy factor (EF) is a rating system used to indicate the best choice. The higher the value, the more energy efficient an option is. When it comes to the electric option, the typical EF is around 0.9. In comparison, gasoline options hover between 0.5 and 0.7. While gas may be the cheapest fuel option, it does not make sense to pay for energy that is wasted through the combustion process.
Low initial cost
Electric water heaters are the least expensive option on the market to install. However, several factors dictate the cost of your electric water heater, including tank size and type of heater. For example, on-demand water heating options will be considerably more expensive than traditional water heaters. The initial cost of a new water heater comes down to the cost of installation.
If you opt for a gas water heater, you will have to pay for the installation of new piping and proper venting systems. Alternatively, electric water heaters will simply connect to your home’s existing infrastructure. However, you will still have to pay to upgrade your home’s wiring, but that doesn’t cost as much as the gas installation.
Cons
High operating costs
Although inexpensive to install, electric water heaters are considerably expensive to maintain. Energy prices fluctuate constantly, which means you should check local prices to find out which is cheaper. Generally, the cost of natural gas is cheaper compared to electricity. However, some energy options are better for the environment.
Slow heat-up time
During times of high demand, you will have to wait for the water to heat up before you can use it again. Generally, electric water heaters take longer than gas options. However, if you think smart and limit the amount of hot water, you won’t have anything to worry about. You can do this by scheduling showers and baths throughout the day. If you leave about an hour between each heavy use of hot water, the hot water shouldn’t run out.
Susceptible to power trips
In the event of a natural disaster or other grid outages, you will run out of hot water if you choose an electric water heater. With a gas water heater, you won’t have to worry about having cold water in the event of outages. You will need to weigh this against your area and how often you lose power. In some cases, your energy supplier will offer incentives to influence your choice to go electric.
Heating the water in your home is important, but it comes at a high price. When you need a new boiler, it’s another cost you don’t want to deal with. Therefore, before you make the first choice, you should research both options thoroughly. Electric water heaters will be cheaper initially, but may be more expensive to run later on. However, your electric water heater will be easier to install because your home is likely already connected to the electrical grid. Remember to consider your local area before making your decision.